CROW AGENCY, Montana – Commemorating 150 years since Lt. Col. George Armstrong Custer’s defeat at the Battle of Little Bighorn, thousands gathered at the historic site known to Native Nations as Greasy Grass. The event drew participants from across the continent to honor the historic battle that marked a significant moment in Native American history.
“Custer planned [a large-scale attack on tribes gathered along the river] because he wanted to be president,” stated Oglala Sioux Tribe President Frank Star Comes Out, highlighting Custer’s ambition and the resulting change in history.
Thursday’s commemoration included a partial battle reenactment with horse riders near the Little Bighorn National Monument, witnessed by hundreds of spectators. A more extensive reenactment was scheduled for Friday. This event is a regular tribute, with tribal members, particularly youth, riding to Veterans Memorial Park annually.
“Initially, I rode for fun, then I found deeper reasons,” expressed Kyliana Lovell, a young Iháŋktȟuŋwaŋ Dakota rider. The ride has become a way to honor family and cultural heritage. Gwen Spotted Horse, Northern Cheyenne, expressed pride as her children engaged with ancestral history.
The anniversary held particular significance for Terry Richards, Oglala Lakota, whose ancestor, High Wolf, fought at Greasy Grass beside legendary leaders like Sitting Bull. “They fought for the land and way of life,” Richards stated, emphasizing the enduring importance of the commemoration.
Gathering near the battlefield underscored resilience, as William Good Bird from the Spirit Lake Dakota Nation remarked, “we’re still here.” The defeat of Custer’s forces shocked America during its centennial, intensifying governmental pressure on Native tribes.
Among the hundreds at the event, tribal leaders and families camped, engaging in discussions and cultural activities. The presence of numerous tribes illustrated a unified stance on treaty rights and shared challenges, as highlighted by Crow Tribe Chairman Frank White Clay. “This is a step forward to unifying all the nations,” he noted.
The event was organized with contributions from over 19 tribes, showcasing the collective spirit and shared heritage at the heart of this significant commemoration.
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